I am experiencing severe weather helm sailing my i9s. I realize I can install the larger rudder to make it more controllable, but wonder if I can also make the boat more balanced from the get-go? Perhaps I've been unable to find previous posts on this topic-directions please!

When weather helm is bad (I have the sailing rudder and the turbo fins) I have learned that i) keeping the boat totally flat by shifting your weight and ii) releasing the sheet slowly to allow the mast to be bent more towards the bow of the boat (in lea helm it is the opposite -- you can pull the sheet in tighter to 'rake' the mast back). If you have continuous weather helm, the mast is likely raked too far aft -- tighten the bow shroud to let the mast rake forward more (quite a bit more than I ever did in a sailing dinghy).

Just for the sake of it, I puchased the sailing rudder. I then bolted the smaller rudder to the larger rudder to add about six inches more bite to the blade... the only draw back is you have to hand raise the rudder... Don't use the pull string to raise the rudder... Try it, you won't go back to the single rudder...

I also take the smaller rudder off the larger sailing rudder when I am not sailing...

Maybe some day the Hobie folks will make a bigger rudder for the i9, i12 and the i14T....

With my i12S, I rake the mast as far forward as the side shrouds allow. I have the sailing rudder, only half of which is in the water, but it helps you steer straight. Sheet out a bit when you loose steering or round up. It is like sailing a shoal draft boat, you don't point, you reach. If you need to go upwind, pedal, with or without the sail assisting. The sail adds another element of fun, but I still have my Laser too.